Organized Crime Control in Australia and New Zealand

By global standards, the problems with organized crime experienced by Australia and New Zealand are moderate. Yet, in both countries, organized crime is perceived as a growing threat requiring a vigorous and coordinated response. This perception has been driven mainly by public incidents of gang violence. This essay sketches the extent of the problem in each country, including the significant criminal networks involved, and explores the institutional, strategic, and legislative responses to organized crime, including crime prevention measures. Cooperative arrangements through which the two countries have addressed transnational crime, particularly within the Asia-Pacific, are discussed. The essay concludes by considering some of the impacts of these official responses, including unintended ones, and suggests possible future directions for research and further action.